[Flagdu] [Nfbf-l] May I ask a question.

Sat Nov 28 20:41:27 UTC 2009

Hello Sherri,

I have the personality and knowledge to sometimes kick back and observe 
before putting myself in unknowledgeable situations. The reason I ask these 
questions is to learn and figure out ways to positively asisst in the areas 
that might be takeing a wrong way. We all know that sometimes people blind 
or not have issues with advocateing for themselves and Yes it is 
frustrateing at times but that is the way it is, and sometimes we end up 
with egg on our face but...   I have sat and listened to consumer's of DBS 
and heard some story's of how VRC's don't have time to fill out the ppw for 
O and M and they just say OK and fade away sitting in their homes because...

It disturbs me and yes I am done observeing, so I ask all of you what is 
next?  We all know the rehabilitation system here in Florida isn't working, 
so????

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Sherri" <flmom2006 at gmail.com>
To: "Marion & Martin" <swampfox1833 at verizon.net>; "Florida Association of 
Guide Dog Users" <flagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Saturday, November 28, 2009 8:31 AM
Subject: Re: [Flagdu] [Nfbf-l] May I ask a question.

> David and list, I agree with most of what Marion says and was actually 
> going to answer in a similar way, but let me add that years ago, when 
> serving as president of the National Federation of the Blind Greater 
> Orlando Chapter and vice-president of the NFBF, I did advocate with local 
> scholarship winners in Orlando when DBS insisted that because DBS helps 
> them procure equipment and pay for school, the scholarship winner should 
> return the scholarship from NFB-GOC to DBS. I was furious and went all the 
> way to the top on that one. One person did give her winnings to DBS, but 
> it was after much advice from me not to do so. This was in the pre Craig 
> Kiser era.
>
> I do believe that DBS was making many progressive strides when Craig Kiser 
> was director. I am acquainted with their present director and am frankly 
> surprised at the turn the O&A center in Daytona has taken. I believe that 
> advocacy from NFBF for those seeking help from DBS is done more on an 
> individual case-by-case basis rather than having some sort of state-wide 
> policy.
>
> We have, however, participated in phone conferences with FAASB so our 
> input is noted, though not necessarily acted upon.
>
> I also think we need to take into careful consideration our advocacy 
> efforts. How much can we really advocate for the blind when several people 
> are employed by DBS. This also spills over into transportation as there 
> are those who also work for transportation companies who serve the 
> disabled in Florida.
>
> I would actually like to see NFB work to drive NAC out of Florida, as 
> accreditation by this organization holds no validity.
>
> Why should you joiner NFB? Primarily because if you want to change 
> something about an organization--if you want to move it forward-- you can 
> only do so from the inside out. Putting forth negativity from the 
> outside-in only hurts that organization and minimizes your own view. 
> Having been both more and less involved with NFB over the years, I have 
> found that my views are noted far more if I am working in the organization 
> to change what it means to be blind, rather than just being an outside 
> observer. Whether I agree or disagree with policies, I find my choice is 
> to do what I can to help the blind throughout Florida and this country and 
> I can do that more effectively being part of NFB than by being out there 
> on my own.
>
> Just my thoughts and I thank you for asking these questions.
> Sherri
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Marion & Martin" <swampfox1833 at verizon.net>
> To: "NFB of Florida Listserv" <nfbf-l at nfbnet.org>; "FLAGDU List" 
> <flagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Saturday, November 28, 2009 10:04 AM
> Subject: Re: [Flagdu] [Nfbf-l] May I ask a question.
>
>
>> David,
>>    The questions you ask are very valid ones! There was a time when the 
>> NFB
>> had a greater influence with the Division of Blind Services. During Craig
>> Kiser's administration, DBS was moving in a more positive direction. 
>> Craig
>> is a very progressive thinker, understanding, living, and implementing 
>> the
>> NFB's philosophy, in spite of a great deal of opposition from those who 
>> are
>> content with the status quo. The Orientation & Adjustment center for the
>> blind in Daytona Beach began implementing NFB-style training, including 
>> the
>> use of sleep shades, in an effort to close the revolving door of
>> rehabilitation that once and now, again, exists. His goal was to provide
>> excellent training once, not bits and pieces as consumers lose more and 
>> more
>> eyesight, returning to the O&A Center to improve their lacking skills 
>> that
>> should have been taught from the beginning. Unfortunately, Craig's health
>> necessitated his retirement as the Director.
>>    We now have a Director who cannot even use the word "blind", as
>> evidenced by her presentation at our last NFBF convention. Though her 
>> words
>> seemed to indicate that she is turning to the NFB for direction and 
>> support,
>> I believe these words are only political rhetoric. The status quo has 
>> been
>> returned to the O&A Center, taking two giant steps backward,  and the 
>> Florida Association of Agencies Serving the Blind (FAASB) has more 
>> influence and control over our lives as it
>> pertains to DBS than do we, the blind consumer! Florida has the 
>> unfortunate distinction of having more NAC accreditted institutions than 
>> any other state
>> and FAASB proports itself - and is accepted - to be the authoritative 
>> voice
>> on issues of blindness. This is no surprise, as the Director of the 
>> Division of Blind Services is a former Director of a NAC accreditted 
>> institution - Lighthouse of Central Florida!
>>    As for the NFBF's involvement in consumer advocacy, I am of the 
>> opinion that this is one of our major roles! I also feel that too many 
>> are too close
>> to agency people to be effective consumer advocates. When crossing the 
>> lines from colleagues to friends, we diminish our capacity to be 
>> effective consumer advocates and succumb to the pressures of those doing 
>> the
>> pressuring! Our purpose is not to
>> be popular with the agencies, but to advance consumer rights of the 
>> individual with the goal of helping consumers reach for and achieve their 
>> highest potential!
>>
>> Fraternally yours,
>> Marion Gwizdala
>>
>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message ----- 
>> From: "davidw" <dwermuth1 at earthlink.net>
>> To: "Florida Association of Guide Dog Users" <flagdu at nfbnet.org>
>> Cc: "NFB of Florida Listserv" <nfbf-l at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Saturday, November 28, 2009 5:00 AM
>> Subject: [Nfbf-l] May I ask a question.
>>
>>
>>> First a little background on me.  I've worked for the state of Texas and
>>> Washington in the Rehabilitation for the blind and moved to Florida last
>>> May.  I am not asking these question's to cause waves or insult in 
>>> anyway
>>> as I don't know the answers or how much the NFB has influence with the 
>>> DBS
>>> here and I am just trying to understand.  I have noticed that hopefully
>>> many people on this list just read the post's and for some reason don't
>>> participate in the conversation's and I totally understand but here are 
>>> a
>>> couple question's and comments:
>>>
>>> 1.  Does the NFB of Florida meet with the DBS for (Division of Blind
>>> Services) in making decisions for the low vision-blind for employment or
>>> for their future goals?
>>>
>>> In other words do you as leaders  of the blind community stand up for 
>>> the
>>> rights for equal opportunity.  I've sat at many meeting's negotiateing 
>>> for
>>> (throwing my fist down a few times on occasion" for the right's of the
>>> rehab act and the right of "choice"
>>>
>>> 2.  Does the NFB of Florida demand that all VRC's (Vocational
>>> Rehabilitation Counselers have the professionalism to asisst their
>>> consumers in obtaining their goals?
>>>
>>> I sat there at the leadership convention and heard at least three times 
>>> to
>>> paraphase" when we getting a commission for the blind" and heard no
>>> comment.
>>>
>>> And I only ask not to be insultive or arogant in any way I promise you 
>>> but
>>> for those whom are wondering where to turn when DBS trys and as you know
>>> most of the time intimidates them can they turn to the NFB of Florida 
>>> and
>>> Why?
>>>
>>> I've been to a lot of NFB and ACB meetings through out the USA and I am
>>> concerned that the majority of them have just been a lot of bull and 
>>> quite
>>> frankly butt-kissing their members to have numbers in their chapters.
>>> What makes you different and why should I join the NFB of Florida?  and
>>> remember many people are reading this for leadership.
>>> Dave Wermuth
>>> A to Z Adaptive Aids
>>>
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>>
>>
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>
>
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